Handy hair styling instrument

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use by at least one of a hair stylist and a barber for performing a scissor cut, such apparatus comprises a first member and a second member, such first member is pivotably connected to the second member intermediate a first end and a second end thereof. A handle member is disposed on a first end of each of the first member and the second member, such handle member having a generally oval shape and having an open portion disposed therein, such open portion for receiving a user&#39;s thumb in one of such first member and such second member and a user&#39;s finger in another one of such first member and such second member. An elongated portion is formed as a second end of each of the first member and the second member, such elongated portion having a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined length and a first predetermined width. A gripping tip is engageable with such elongated portion of each of the first member and the second member for holding a strip of hair, such gripping tip having a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined length and a second predetermined width.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/862,787 filed Oct. 25, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a styling tool, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a hair styling instrument made to provide hairstylists with a simple and easy way to hold hair in order to perform a scissor cut of such hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many barbers and hairstylists having large fingers, cuts on fingers, long fingernails or ailments wherein they find it difficult for them to hold a specific strip of hair in one hand in order to cut that strip using scissors in the other hand. Hair around the ears is usually cut with a clipper, as many barbers having large fingers are unable to hold hair and cut the hair with scissors while simultaneously working around the ears. Holding short hair in order to trim the ends can be a tough task for any barber or stylist.

Thus, it would be advantageous and convenient if there were a product that could provide a simple way to hold the hair with one

-   -   hand in order to cut that hair with the opposite hand

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the invention provides an apparatus for use by at least one of a hair stylist and a barber for performing a scissor cut, such apparatus comprises a first member and a second member, such first member is pivotally connected to such second member intermediate a first end and a second end thereof. A handle member is disposed on a first end of each of the first member and the second member, such handle member having a generally oval shape and having an open portion disposed therein, such open portion for receiving a user's thumb in one of such first member and such second member and a user's finger in another one of such first member and such second member. An elongated portion is formed as a second end of each of the first member and the second member, such elongated portion having a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined length and a first predetermined width. A gripping tip is engageable with such elongated portion of each of the first member and the second member for holding a strip of hair, such gripping tip having a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined length and a second predetermined width.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus for holding a strip of hair with one hand so it can be cut with scissors held in the other hand.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus holding a strip of hair with one hand so it can be cut with scissors held in the other hand that is easy to use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a strip of hair with one hand so it can be cut with scissors held in the other hand that will hold the hair securely.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a strip of hair with one hand so it can be cut with scissors held in the other hand that is inexpensive.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a strip of hair with one hand that uses foam gripping tips for holding such hair strip.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for holding a strip of hair with one hand according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 showing the apparatus in a closed and open position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gripping tips used in the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing two different size tips.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gripping tips being used to hold a strip of hair being ready to be cut.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

In a first aspect the invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for use by at least one of a hair stylist and a barber for performing a scissor cut, such apparatus 10 comprises a first member 2 and a second member 4, the first member 2 is pivotally connected to the second member 4 intermediate a first end and a second end thereof. A handle member 6 is disposed on a first end of each of the first member 2 and the second member 4, such handle member 6 having a generally oval shape and having an open portion 8 disposed therein, such open portion 8 for receiving a user's thumb in one of such first member 2 and such second member 4 and a user's finger in another one of such first member 2 and such second member 4. An elongated portion 12 is formed as a second end of each of the first member 2 and the second member 4, such elongated portion 12 having a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined length and a first predetermined width. A gripping tip 14 is engageable with such elongated portion 12 of each of the first member 2 and the second member 4 for holding a strip of hair, such gripping tip 14 having a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined length and a second predetermined width. Such gripping tips 14 clamp together and hold such strip of hair between the gripping tips 14.

Such first member 2 is pivotally connected to the second member 4 by means of a center screw 16. It should be noted that first member 2 and such second member 4 are interchangeable as they are essentially the same. The first predetermined shape of such elongated portion 12 of the first member 2 and the second member 4 is substantially flat on the inner surface thereof but may have an arcuate shape on the outer surface. Such gripping tip(s) 14 is engageable with the elongated portion 12 by sliding the gripping tip 14 over the elongated portion 12. It should be noted that such gripping tips 14 are replaceable.

It is presently preferred that such gripping tips 14 be made of a foam material. Such foam material could be any of the commonly used foam products; however, the foam should have a relatively soft texture.

Similar to the elongated member 12 such second predetermined shape of the gripping tip 14 includes a flat surface on the inner surface of the gripping tip 14 as that is the surface which is used to hold the strip of hair that is to be cut.

The gripping tip(s) 14 on the end of the elongated portion 12 of the first member 2 is engageable with the gripping tip 14 on the end of the elongated portion 12 of the second member 4 when such handle member 6 of the first member 2 is closed with the handle member 6 of the second member 4.

Such second predetermined length of the gripping tip is between about 1 inch and about 2½ inches and it is even more preferred that such length is between about 1¼ inch and about 2¼ inches.

It should be noted, as seen ion the drawing Figures, that the elongated portion 12 further includes an inward bend, the inward bend is disposed on the elongated portion 12 closely adjacent is where the first member 2 is pivotally connected to the second member 4.

Thus, the present invention provides a specially designed tool used by a barber or hairstylist in order to perform a more efficient scissor cut. The product is designed in a manner similar 20 to kitchen or egg tongs in that one end of the tool features handles through which the user's thumb and fingers are placed for a comfortable hold. The other end features two gripping tips that are used to hold pieces, strips or sections of hair. The gripping tips will clamp onto and hold strips of any length hair without the clumsy grip normally associated with holding the hair with the fingers.

Using the tool enables the barber or stylist to hold the hair securely with one hand and then have the other hand free to cut the strip of hair with scissors. The foam gripping tips are designed to be available in two different sizes. One size is approximately ¼ inch in width while the other size is approximately ¾ inch wide for holding hair on any part of the head. The larger size is used primarily for the longer hair while the smaller size can be used with the shorter hair that is close to the ear. The user simply grasps the handles, spread the handles apart to open the tips which functions by way of a center screw and then closing the handles which closes the gripping tips onto the hair to securely hold the strip of hair. Holding the tool on the hair, the user is able to cut the hair quickly and easily every time.

The tool was designed to offer a barber or stylist an easier way to hold hair with one hand in order to cut the hair with scissors held in the opposite hand. The tool takes the place of fingers so as to insure a better scissor cut since holding the hair between the fingers is not always easy and many time some hair slips out of the fingers. Thus, the present invention provides an increase in the consistency of cuts around the ears so as to reduce the need for using clippers. The present tool should provide the consumer with a better scissor cut each time.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for use by at least one of a hair stylist and a barber for performing a scissor cut, said apparatus comprising: (a) a first member and a second member, said first member pivotally connected to said second member intermediate a first end and a second end thereof; (b) a handle member disposed on a first end of each of said first member and said second member, said handle member having a generally oval shape and having an open portion disposed therein, said open portion for receiving a user's thumb in one of said first member and said second member and a user's finger in another one of said first member and said second member; (c) an elongated portion formed as a second end of each of said first member and said second member, said elongated portion having a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined length and a first predetermined width; and (d) a gripping tip engageable with said elongated portion of each of said first member and said second member for holding a strip of hair, said gripping tip having a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined length and a second predetermined width.
 2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first member is pivotally connected to said second member by means of a center screw.
 3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said elongated portion of said first member and said second member is generally flat on an inner surface thereof.
 4. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said gripping tip is engageable with said elongated portion by sliding said gripping tip over said elongated portion.
 5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said gripping tip is made of a foam material.
 6. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein second predetermined shape of said gripping tip includes a flat surface on inner surface of said gripping tip.
 7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said flat surface of said gripping tip is used to hold such strip of hair to be cut.
 8. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said gripping tip is replaceable.
 9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said gripping tip on an end of said elongated portion of said first member is engageable with said gripping tip on an end of said elongated portion of said second member when said handle member of said first member is closed with said handle member of said second member.
 10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second predetermined length of said gripping tip is between about 1 inch and about 2½ inches.
 11. The apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein said gripping tip is between about 1¼ inch and about 2¼ inches.
 12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said elongated portion further includes an inward bend, said inward bend is disposed on said elongated portion closely adjacent where said first member is pivotally connected to said second member. 